Zinc and vitamin A are essential nutrients the body needs to maintain several vital functions, most notably eye health, immune system strength, and the regulation of cellular processes. Medical research indicates a complementary relationship between the two nutrients, making their combined intake beneficial in certain cases—especially for people who are deficient in one or both.
اضافة اعلان
Vitamin A is stored in the liver, and the body cannot benefit from it unless it is transported to various tissues via a specific protein known as retinol-binding protein. This is where zinc plays a key role, as it contributes to the synthesis of this protein in the liver.
Studies show that zinc deficiency may hinder the release of vitamin A from its storage sites, leading to symptoms of vitamin A deficiency even when dietary intake is adequate. Therefore, correcting zinc deficiency can indirectly improve the body’s utilization of vitamin A, according to a report by the health website VeryWellHealth.
Vitamin A is essential for vision, as it is involved in the formation of light-sensitive pigments in the retina. Retinal pigment cells contain high concentrations of zinc, which helps protect these cells from oxidative stress and regulates the visual cycle. Adequate zinc levels facilitate the conversion of vitamin A into its active form, supporting night vision and overall eye health, particularly in older adults.
Both zinc and vitamin A also support the immune system through different mechanisms. While vitamin A helps maintain the integrity of mucous membranes in the respiratory and digestive systems, zinc activates immune cells such as T cells and natural killer cells.
Limited studies—conducted mainly on children in nutritionally deficient regions—suggest that combining zinc with vitamin A may improve resistance to respiratory infections. However, experts stress that more research is needed to confirm these benefits in adults. Recent research also indicates a link between adequate vitamin A intake and lower rates of depression, with zinc potentially enhancing this effect. Zinc is also known for its role in regulating the body’s response to stress, making a combined deficiency in both nutrients a possible factor in mood disorders.
Dietary sources and warnings
Zinc can be obtained from meat, seafood, nuts, and fortified grains, while vitamin A is found in animal products such as liver, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
Despite the potential benefits, specialists warn against taking supplements without medical advice, as excessive vitamin A intake can cause toxic effects, and zinc may interfere with the absorption of other minerals.
In conclusion, combining zinc and vitamin A may be beneficial for supporting vision and immunity, particularly for individuals with nutritional deficiencies. However, unsupervised use of supplements carries risks, making balanced nutrition and medical guidance the safest approach.
